Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on 16th August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Summary of Incident: Accidental Weapon Discharge at Varanasi Airport
Incident Overview
On August 16, 2026, at approximately 0930 hours, an accidental discharge of a licensed firearm occurred at Varanasi Airport. The incident involved Shri Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai, a passenger scheduled to travel to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX 1810.
Incident Details and Casualties
The passenger followed prescribed procedures by declaring a 7.62 mm pistol and 21 live cartridges at the check-in counter. During the mandatory inspection in the designated screening area, a round was accidentally discharged. The projectile ricocheted, causing injuries to two security screening personnel, identified as Shri Rohit Raj and Ms. Suman Kumari. Both individuals were immediately transported to the New Lakshmi Trauma Center in Varanasi for medical treatment.
Action and Investigation
Legal Action: Local police were notified immediately, and the passenger has been detained for further investigation and legal action.
Regulatory Review: The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is conducting an examination of the incident to determine if prescribed procedures for the handling and carriage of licensed weapons were strictly followed.
Operational Impact: The incident was quickly contained, and airport operations continued without disruption.
Administrative Information
Release Date: 16 August 2026, 2:02 PM
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Civil Aviation via PIB Delhi
Official Representative: Divyanshu Kumar
Release ID: 2300136
Key Entities Referenced
Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS): The regulatory body responsible for examining the circumstances of the accidental discharge and ensuring adherence to security procedures for handling weapons at airports.
Varanasi Airport: The central location where the security incident occurred and where aviation safety protocols were being implemented.
Ministry of Civil Aviation: The primary government ministry responsible for the oversight of civil aviation safety and the reporting of the incident.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Accidental Discharge of Licensed Weapon at
Varanasi Airport
प्रव तथ: 16 AUG 2026 2:02PM by PIB Delhi
On 16 August 2026, at approximately 0930 hours, a passenger, namely Shri Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai,
scheduled to travel from Varanasi to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX 1810 declared a licensed
firearm (7.62 mm pistol with 21 live cartridges) at the check-in counter, as required under the prescribed
procedure.
The passenger was escorted to the designated screening area for completion of the mandatory security
formalities. During the handling and inspection of the weapon, a round was accidentally discharged. The
projectile ricocheted and caused injuries to two screening personnel, Shri Rohit Raj and Ms Suman
Kumari.
Both personnel were immediately provided assistance and shifted to New Lakshmi Trauma Center,
Varanasi, for medical treatment.
The local police were informed immediately and the passenger has been detained for investigation and
further action in accordance with law.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is examining the circumstances leading to the incident,
including adherence to the prescribed procedures for handling and carriage of licensed weapons at
airports. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.
The incident was promptly contained and airport operations are continuing without disruption.
*****
Divyanshu Kumar
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2300136) आगंतुक पटल : 2292
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